Frito Soup
A hearty and flavorful bean soup with smoky tomatoes and green chilies, perfect for comforting meals. Topped with cheese and served with crunchy chips.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak pinto beans in water for 3 hours.
- Simmer soup bones, chopped celery, chopped onion, peppercorns, and salt with the soaked beans for 3 hours.
- Remove bones from the soup.
- Add stewed tomatoes, whole tomatoes, green chilies, and chili powder to the soup.
- Simmer for an additional 2 hours.
- Serve the soup in bowls with crumbled Doritos or Fritos at the bottom and top with grated mozzarella cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a dash of cumin or a bay leaf while simmering the soup. If you prefer vegetarian recipes, substitute the soup bones with vegetable broth and add more beans for protein. You can also use canned beans to save time; just reduce the cooking time accordingly. Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of green chilies or chili powder to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Frito Soup hot in bowls, with crumbled Doritos or Fritos at the bottom for added crunch. Top each serving with grated mozzarella cheese for a creamy finish. This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a side salad or cornbread. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside a dish like Deluxe Taco Dip for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Frito Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just make sure to leave space in the container for expansion.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Frito Soup contains roughly 256 calories, with 8g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1657mg per serving (72% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans for this recipe?
Yes, dried pinto beans are used in this recipe, and soaking them beforehand helps with cooking. If you're short on time, you can use canned beans, but you'll need to adjust the cooking times to avoid mushiness.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chili powder or add sliced jalapeños for extra heat. Additionally, incorporating a few dashes of hot sauce when serving allows each person to customize the spice level to their liking.
What can I serve with Frito Soup?
Frito Soup is delightful on its own, but pairs well with cornbread, a fresh green salad, or even Mexican recipes like Mexican Ice Cream Sundaes for dessert. For a larger spread, consider serving it with sides like guacamole or salsa for a fun, festive meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).